Can you drink unrefrigerated energy drinks? What You Need to Know

November 16, 2025 •

3 min read

According to manufacturers, most unopened energy drinks have a shelf life of 6 to 9 months when stored properly at room temperature. So, can you drink unrefrigerated energy drinks? The short answer is yes, as long as the drink is unopened and has not been exposed to excessive heat or direct sunlight. However, the story changes once the can is opened, and factors beyond safety, like flavor and potency, also come into play.

Quick Summary

Unopened energy drinks can be safely consumed at room temperature for several months, provided they are stored away from extreme heat. Once opened, however, they must be refrigerated and consumed quickly to avoid contamination and degradation of quality. Long-term exposure to heat can affect the taste, carbonation, and potency of the ingredients.

Key Points

Unopened is Safe: An unopened energy drink stored at room temperature is generally safe to drink for several months, typically 6–9 months.
Opened is Not: An opened energy drink should be consumed promptly or refrigerated. Leaving an opened can out for more than a day can lead to bacterial growth and should be discarded.
Avoid Extreme Heat: Exposure to excessive heat or direct sunlight can degrade the drink's quality and even cause the can to burst from pressure build-up.
Taste and Potency Degrade: Even if safe, unrefrigerated and older energy drinks will likely have a diminished taste and less potent effects compared to a fresh, chilled one.
Ideal Storage: For the best flavor and longevity, store energy drinks in a cool, dark place like a pantry, and chill before serving.

Is It Safe to Drink Unrefrigerated Energy Drinks?

For an unopened energy drink, drinking it at room temperature is generally safe, assuming it has been stored correctly. Proper storage means keeping the can in a cool, dry place, like a cabinet or pantry, and away from direct sunlight or hot environments. Extreme heat can cause the ingredients to degrade and, in rare cases, build up enough pressure to cause the can to explode. For this reason, leaving a can in a hot car is never recommended. The "best by" or expiration date on the can is a good indicator of peak quality, but many unopened cans are often still safe to consume past this date, though with diminished taste and potency.

Opened vs. Unopened: The Crucial Difference

Once an energy drink is opened, the rules for safe consumption change dramatically. The protective seal is broken, exposing the liquid to air and potential contaminants. Unrefrigerated, an opened energy drink should be discarded if left out for more than a day. Refrigeration is crucial for maintaining freshness and slowing the growth of bacteria. Most companies recommend consuming an opened, refrigerated energy drink within a week. Without refrigeration, the risk of bacterial growth increases, making it unsafe to drink.

Impact on Taste, Carbonation, and Potency

While safety is the primary concern, consuming an energy drink at room temperature also affects the overall experience. A cold drink is often perceived as more refreshing and can mask some of the artificial sweetness or intense flavors that become more pronounced at warmer temperatures.

Taste Degradation: High temperatures and extended storage can cause the flavors to change and become less palatable. The intricate blend of ingredients may break down, resulting in an off-taste.
Loss of Carbonation: For carbonated energy drinks, leaving the can open and unrefrigerated will cause the carbonation to dissipate quickly, often within 24 hours. The result is a flat, less enjoyable beverage. Refrigeration helps preserve carbonation.
Reduced Potency: The active ingredients, including caffeine and B-vitamins, can lose their potency over time, especially when exposed to heat. This means that an older, unrefrigerated can might provide a weaker energy boost than a freshly purchased, chilled one.

Comparison Table: Unrefrigerated vs. Refrigerated Energy Drinks


Feature	Unrefrigerated (Unopened)	Refrigerated (Unopened)	Unrefrigerated (Opened)	Refrigerated (Opened)
Safety	Generally safe for 6-9 months if stored properly.	Same as unrefrigerated, but ideal for long-term storage.	Unsafe if left for more than a day; prone to contamination and bacterial growth.	Safe for up to a week if sealed and stored correctly.
Flavor	May degrade over time, especially if exposed to heat.	Preserves original, crisp flavor best.	Flat, off-taste; unpleasant experience.	Maintained and protected from degradation.
Carbonation	Maintained as long as seal is intact.	Maintained for the longest period.	Lost rapidly, often within 24 hours.	Preserved significantly longer than if left out.
Shelf Life	6–9 months is typical, up to 2 years safely.	Best for maximizing shelf life.	Consume within a day or discard.	Consume within 5–7 days.

How to Ensure Your Energy Drink Stays Safe and Flavorful

For the best results, always prioritize proper storage. Keep your energy drinks in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cabinet. Avoid storing them in areas with temperature fluctuations, such as near a stove, in a garage, or in a car. For optimal flavor and a refreshing experience, chilling your energy drinks in the refrigerator is the best practice. If you can't refrigerate an opened can, it's best to discard it to prevent any health risks associated with potential spoilage.

Conclusion

In summary, while you can drink unrefrigerated energy drinks that remain unopened and stored in a cool, dark place, it is not the ideal way to enjoy them. Refrigeration not only enhances the flavor and fizziness but also prolongs the freshness of an opened drink. The most significant risk comes from consuming an open energy drink that has been left at room temperature for an extended period, which can lead to bacterial growth and contamination. To ensure both safety and a high-quality drinking experience, always opt for refrigeration whenever possible. If an opened can has been sitting out for more than a day, err on the side of caution and throw it out. For more information on caffeine and its effects on the body, the National Institutes of Health offers detailed research and resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is not recommended to drink an energy drink that has been left in a hot car. High temperatures can cause the flavors and ingredients to degrade. In extreme cases, the heat can cause pressure to build inside the can, which could be dangerous.

An unopened, unrefrigerated energy drink will not lose its fizz as long as the seal is intact. However, once the can is opened, the carbonation will dissipate very quickly, especially if left at room temperature.

For an unopened can, check for any bulging, leaking, or rusting. For both opened and unopened drinks, signs of spoilage include an off-putting odor, unusual color, or the presence of mold. If in doubt, it is best to throw it out.

Many unopened energy drinks are still safe to drink shortly after the 'best by' date, provided they have been stored properly. However, the manufacturer can no longer guarantee the drink's peak quality, so the taste and effectiveness may be diminished.

Some products, like 5-Hour Energy shots, do not require refrigeration for storage. Their manufacturers often state that the product can be consumed within a few days of opening if kept at room temperature. Always check the specific product's label for storage instructions.

The best way to store energy drinks is in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. For the best taste, keep unopened cans or bottles in the refrigerator at 35–45°F (1.5–7.2°C).

An unopened energy drink, if not stored in extreme heat, is unlikely to make you sick, though its quality may be compromised. However, drinking an opened, unrefrigerated energy drink left out for more than a day significantly increases the risk of consuming bacteria, which can cause food poisoning.